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● LIVE Updated 57m ago · 14 sources tracked

The Leap Second Has Been Canceled

Global timekeepers have voted to end the use of leap seconds to redefine how the world tracks time. In place of the leap second, experts have introduced the leap hour. This decision follows observations of an accelerating Earth, which prompted the shift in timekeeping methodology to maintain synchronization between atomic time and the planet's rotation. The move aims to resolve the technical complications associated with adding single seconds to the global clock.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ Scientists voted to end the use of leap seconds.
  • ✓ Timekeepers introduced the leap hour to replace the leap second.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Scientists voted to replace the leap second with the leap hour.

Live updates

  1. Scientists Vote to Abolish Leap Second in Favor of Leap Hour

    Global timekeepers have voted to end the use of leap seconds to redefine how the world tracks time. In place of the leap second, experts have introduced the leap hour. This decision follows observations of an accelerating Earth, which prompted the shift in timekeeping methodology to maintain synchronization between atomic time and the planet's rotation. The move aims to resolve the technical complications associated with adding single seconds to the global clock.

    Why it matters

    Leap seconds were traditionally used to keep Coordinated Universal Time in alignment with Earth's irregular rotation. An accelerating Earth necessitated a more significant adjustment. This transition to a leap hour represents a fundamental change in global timekeeping standards.

    What is confirmed

    • Scientists voted to end the use of leap seconds.
    • Timekeepers introduced the leap hour to replace the leap second.

    What to watch next

    • Technical implementation dates for the first leap hour
    • Official guidelines for software updates to accommodate the new time standard
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
    2. The Guardian — How an accelerating Earth led experts to adopt the leap hour
    3. Scientific American — Scientists vote to end leap seconds, redefining how the world keeps time
    4. Smithsonian Magazine — It's Official: Timekeepers Have Gotten Rid of the Leap Second—and Introduced the Leap Hour Instead
    5. mp1st.com — Cancelled “Assassin’s Creed Destiny” Unveiled with Gameplay
    6. WIRED — Pour One Out for the Leap Second
    7. The New York Times — The Leap Second Has Been Canceled
    8. New Scientist — Scientists have just voted to abolish leap seconds
    9. www.aol.co.uk — Andy Burnham announces bombshell £20 rule for drivers
    10. www.siasat.com — Meet the researchers leaving US because of Trump’s funding cuts
    11. www.gulf-times.com — Houthi escalation is complicating traditionally busy ‘winter season’ - Gulf Times
    12. www.news4jax.com — Meet the researchers leaving the US because of Trump's funding cuts and politicization of science - News4JAX ,WJXT Channel 4
    confidence 100%
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